Self-Guided PSP Wellbeing Course

Who is eligible for this course?

First responders and other public safety personnel (PSP) 18+ residing in Canada who want to improve their overall mental health and wellbeing.

This course is not suitable for those with severe substance use, psychosis, mania, or suicidal thoughts.

Evidence-Informed: Participants report significant improvement in their symptoms of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress.
Easy & Flexible: 5 online lessons over 8 weeks with ~ 1 hour of course work per week.
Extra Resources: More information about PSP-related concerns such as sleep, grief, supporting a colleague, and more!

Can I enroll if I’ve already taken a PSPNET course?

Yes! Please reach out to us and we will assist you with enrollment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Course Overview

Who developed the Self-Guided PSP Wellbeing Course?

The Wellbeing Course was originally developed at Macquarie University in Australia, then adapted and researched by the Online Therapy Unit at the University of Regina. PSPNET furthered tailored the Wellbeing Course to address the unique challenges of PSP. This course has shown success as a treatment for anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Self-Guided PSP Wellbeing Course is a version of the PSP Wellbeing Course that does not involve therapist support. We are now evaluating the Self-Guided PSP Wellbeing Course for the first time.
Why was the PSP Wellbeing Course developed?
The Self-Guided PSP Wellbeing Course was developed with and for PSP to overcome common barriers to mental health support, such as:
- Geographical challenges — difficulty accessing care in remote locations or during postings
- Logistical constraints — shift work and busy schedules that conflict with standard service hours
- Stigma concerns — perceptions of being judged or evaluated negatively for seeking mental health support
- Limited resources — insufficient access to mental health services designed for PSP needs
What does the Self-Guided PSP Wellbeing Course involve?

The Self-Guided PSP Wellbeing Course delivers the same evidence-based treatment as traditional face-to-face cognitive behavioural therapy for depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress, adapted specifically for PSP.

The program consists of 5 main lessons, with lesson materials presented online on a weekly basis over the course of 8 weeks. Each lesson is delivered through engaging online content, building on what you’ve learned previously. At the end of each lesson, you’ll complete practice exercises that help reinforce the strategies.

You’ll also receive automated emails with helpful tips and encouragement along the way. All course materials remain accessible for up to 26 weeks after enrollment, giving you flexibility to revisit content as needed.

Additional resources are available to address specific concerns like sleep concerns, social relationships, and problem-solving, allowing you to focus on issues most relevant to your needs.
How much time does it take to complete the Self-Guided PSP Wellbeing Course?

The Self-Guided PSP Wellbeing Course is designed to take 8–10 weeks to work through the 5 main lessons. Each lesson typically takes about 1 hour to review, plus 1–3 hours to practice the skills through exercises, such as the DIY Guides at the end of each lesson.

We recommend setting aside time each week to work through the materials consistently. After the initial 8 weeks, you’ll continue to have access to all course materials for up to 26 weeks total after enrollment, allowing you to review content and download materials as needed.
Is support available from therapists?

The Self-Guided PSP Wellbeing Course does not include therapist support. However, therapist-guided versions of our courses are currently available to PSP in select provinces, and we’re working to expand access to additional provinces and territories. Visit our Therapist-Guided Courses page to see if you’re eligible or to learn more about our therapist-supported options.
How is the PSP Wellbeing Course being evaluated?

The PSP Wellbeing Course is evaluated through questionnaires you’ll complete at three points: during screening, throughout the course, and after completion. These take between 5 and 30 minutes and collect important information about your experience and outcomes. This data helps us continuously improve the program and contributes to research on effective mental health support for PSP. Your participation in this evaluation is greatly appreciated.
Is the PSP Wellbeing Course offered in French?

Yes, the Self-Guided PSP Wellbeing Course is available in English and French.

Privacy & Additional Information

Will my participation in the Self-Guided PSP Wellbeing course be kept confidential?
Yes. The PSPNET website is hosted and maintained by the University of Regina. All information you share with therapists is encrypted using secure socket layer (SSL) technology — the same level of security as online banking. Messages are securely sent and stored on encrypted servers.

Your participation is confidential, and only members of the PSPNET research team have access to your information. However, confidentiality must be broken in certain circumstances:
- Potential imminent harm to you or others
- Suspected neglect or harm to a child, including witnessing violence
- Court order to release information
- Where required by law
PSPNET is a research facility. As such, when your information is used for research purposes, it is de-identified to protect your privacy. This means it’s analyzed and presented in a way that prevents anyone from identifying you.
Where can I find out more information?

Please contact 306-337-7233 (SAFE) or email pspnet@uregina.ca.